The Park!!

"I LOVE the park!"

Augusta had her first trip to the park yesterday, and she loved it! I know we waited forever to take her. (I mean she's almost one, right!) But I think our timing was absolutely perfect. And so was the weather!

She was able to run/walk around and explore. She climbed up the castle and through doorways. She also rode on the swings by herself. She loved the swings!! She wash having a blast on them and wanted back in each time you took her out.

She enjoyed going down the slide, with mommy as well as by herself (Daddy was at the bottom to catch her!) But her favorite thing by far was the leaves! The ground was covered with them and she loved picking them up and carrying them around. What can I say, she's a simple girl! We will definitely be going back to the park again soon, as long as the weather is nice that is!

Swinging with Mommy

Bouncing and rocking on a tire

Running Free

"Look Daddy, a leaf!"

Birth Story

So again, I cannot believe it's been almost a year since we welcomed our precious miracle into our lives. As part of my "mommy reflections" on this special time, I've decided to recount Augusta's birth story. This is just because I love to think back on it and don't ever want to forget that special time. So bear with me, and excuse the long post. Feel free to skim or ignore!

To my sweet girl:

Your birth story actually starts on on Tuesday, November 29. This was the night I was admitted to the hospital. Daddy and I had to check in to the ER by 6:00 for a scheduled induction. (This had been decided at an appointment on the Wednesday before your due date, 11/23, because you were almost a week overdue at this point and not showing signs of wanting to join us on the outside just yet. Guess you were pretty warm and snuggly in there!) Anyway, Mommy had to eat before I checked in, and then wasn't allowed to eat anything else until you arrived. It wasn't as bad as it sounds, especially since throughout this pregnancy I wasn't super hungry. I filled out tons of papers and then a nurse finally came and wheeled me up to the fourth floor (Labor & Delivery). My room was ready, pretty sure it was delivery room 3, but don't quote me on that. I had to change into a gown and Daddy had to wait outside with our things while they asked me tons if questions. Finally he was allowed back, and he found me all comfy in the hospital bed...well, as comfy as you can be in a hospital bed. He stayed while I had my IV line put in. And also while the nurses placed the cervadil. (Medicine to help the cervix soften.) The IV imade me a little woozy (I hate needles!) so he stayed a little while after to make sure I was alright. Then he went to the cafeteria for some food. (We ate some before we came, but it was so early he needed something else!) Once he was back with his food, we settled in to watch The Big Bang Theory on TV. (This was our current tv obsession.) And then it was time to try and rest, because we knew it wouldn't be long till we got to meet you!

Sleep was hard to come by. I say it was mainly anticipation of meeting you, but I'm sure the hospital bed, contraction monitors, and the pain from the IV didn't help! Before 8 am the nurses were there checking my dilation progress...not much to report, almost 2 cm which was up from 1 cm the night before. And not long after that Dr. Harper was there to break my water. And whoa, it was a lot of water! (Maybe TMI, but I said to skip this post if you didn't wanna know!) After my water was broken, it was no getting out of the bed for me. I was stuck until you made your debut. I was catheterized, had my pitocin drip flowing, and was ready to have a baby!

Gammie and Pappy came to visit first. They got there around 9 or so. Gammie was all into it--checking the contraction monitor, talking me through actual contractions and about pain levels; Pappy not so much. He left many a times to do things like let Rowan out, pick up Aunt T from school, get food...

Finally when I was around 4 cm dilated, I couldn't wait anymore and had to get the epidural. They administered that around 11, and surprisingly it wasn't as bad as I was fearing, what with the huge needle and all. Daddy did almost pass out though! He got light headed and had to sit down. But once I had that epidural, I was feeling great! No more pain, or feeling, at all!

Throughout the day Aunt BB came to visit, as did Mims and Paul-Paul, Aunt Lys, Whitney, Chris, and Becca. Mommy was confined to the bed, trying to find something to watch n tv, praying for progress to be made, and trying to work through the pain I was starting to feel. I got to 5 cm and stayed that way for awhile, so the nurses had me sit upright in the bed, almost completely vertical. Daddy, Aunt Lys, Aunt T, Mims, and Gammie kept me company most of the day.

I had been sitting up for a few hours and was feeling a lot of pressure. I just knew something had to be happening. I knew I was making progress. I even felt the need to bolus my epidural (give myself another dose). This wasn't the best idea, because not even five minutes after I had to throw up! (Gross!) But then I brushed my teeth and was fine. Only problem was I never went completely numb again. And all that progress I thought I was making?? Yeah, I was stuck at 5 cm. Not fun.

The nurses kept coming in a checking for progress pretty much hourly, and nothing was changing. People were waiting in the waiting room, just waiting patiently. People were waiting with Mommy, some patiently, others not so much! Ha!

Dr. Harper was even waiting. My pitocin had been upped many times and was pretty much at the max level. She checked and then went to pick up her kids and said she'd be back to check again. When she got back, around 6 o'clock, Mommy was still stalled out at 5 cm. Dr. Harper was not impressed...she said since I had been there for so long, that we needed to think about a c-section. She said she wasn't sure why we'd stop progressing--it could have been that you were just too big a baby for me (since we already knew from ultrasounds you were around 7 pound...not big at all). She said c-section would have to be in about 2 hours though bc there was a lady who had just arrived at the hospital and her baby was breech, so she was ahead.

At this point, Mommy was fine with whatever got you into my arms. A section was not ideal, but I was so tired. And I was feeling so much pressure. I was shocked, and almost wanted to argue, when the nurses came in a upped my pitocin once more. I remember telling them, "Dr. Harper said I'm having a c-section." This Momma didn't want to feel any more contractions, let me tell you!

But I did feel more contractions, and not only that, but pain. Lots of pain in my hip bones. And I couldn't get comfortable. I was wiggling all over the bed trying to get a good position. It was not fun. I even bolused my epidural again, but it felt like it wasn't helping with that bone pain.

Well time went on and the nurses came back to make sure I was ready for my section. Well she checked my dilation and when she did she looked up at the other nurse all surprised and said, "She's complete." They basically said no section for us, and it was gonna be time to start pushing. We weren't taking the easy way out!

With the amount of babies being born that night, they were short staffed, so both Daddy and Gammie stayed on the delivery room. There was one nurse there the whole time. Dr. Harper came and gave us the go-ahead and we began to push. It wasn't as bad as I though it would be. Actually, compared to the bone pain I was feeling before, It was actually pleasant. And Daddy was so sweet, I remember him feeding me ice chips between pushes. Dr. Harper came in at the end and have us a little help with the vacuum.

Then at 8:56 pm, the most previous angel entered this world and completely stole my heart! I pulled you to me and kissed your sweet face and cried happy tears! I was so emotional! Your Daddy was so proud! And Gammie got some great shots of him showing you off. As well as some videos of your first encounters with this world!

And there you have it, the best day of my life! Complete with blood, sweat, and tears...literally! It's a day I will always remember and wouldn't mind reliving if it meant I got to meet you all over again! I love you sweet girl and cannot believe it's almost been a year since I first held you. I look forward to many more years together!

Love,
Mommy

Reflections

So I'm getting sentimental over here...but isn't every mother allowed that? Especially when their baby's first birthday is rapidly approaching. If not, then I'm making concessions for myself and all other mothers out there and allowing it! I'm an adult, I can make my own rules! ;)

I can't help but think back to where I was a year ago, waiting for my precious bundle to arrive. It's so crazy to think it has almost been a year!

And honestly, I don't remember what it was like before my sweet girl arrived. I cannot think of a time that Chase or myself wasn't wishing and praying for our sweet baby. Then we were planning and praying for our sweet baby. And waiting for our precious miracle, all the while still praying for her.

I can honestly say God answered our every prayer and then some. We are blessed beyond measure. And most days I wake up still in awe that this perfect little being has been left in my care, and that I get to call myself her mother.

Motherhood truly is a love like no other. It's a bond that changes your life, one that cannot be broken. And I wish it for all who dream of it one day for themselves. Thank you Lord for this most precious of gifts! And Augusta Kate, I am elated to be the one on this ride with you!

Happy Halloween!!

Trick or Treat

Well Augusta's first Halloween was a success! She looked absolutely adorable in her witch costume and she trick-or-treated both set of grandparents and her great-grandmothers. We even found time to stop at Chris and Whitney's for a quick visit! After that, the little one had had enough and she was out like a light! She slept so hard that night, I guess all the excitement wore her out!! Only thing we'll change for next year is that we will definitely be getting an earlier start!!

So Guess What??

You're right! Augusta is another month older! I cannot believe it! In just one short month my baby will be a year old. She she was born, whenever I thought of her almost turning a year I would think, "She's going to be all grown up!" But she's not just yet, she's still my little sweetie! ;)

This past month has seen a lot of changes for my sweet girl! She got her first tooth!! It is the front right tooth on the bottom. It is still the only one that has made an appearance so far, but I think she's getting a bubble on the lower left side so it may not be too long before that one shows up.

This past month Augusta also started walking!! Yay! And it was a quick transition, let me tell you! This little girl was ready to go, and go is all that she's done sine she's been vertical! Crawling is a thing of the past, only used when needed, like when she's trying to go under something. But she walks non-stop. Parents out there who thought their child was all over the place when crawling, just wait. Walking is a whole different ball game.

Baby on the Move!!

Not much has changed on the talking front...she consistently says "mama", "dada", "da" (for dog), "bye", "hey", di di (for dig dig). She's added "do" (for Don't), "no", "ba" (for baba), "baby", and within the past I have hard "my" when she wants some things. Hopefully this isn't the start of the "MY" phase, but if so I'll still take it!

Pointing to her first Jack-O-Lantern

On the food front, she's eating all the time. And trying so many things! She doesn't seem to be picky, which is great. Though she will let you know when she's had enough of something. And she's very big about eating on her own time...she's a grazer. She's also started exploring the world of sweets. Gammie took her to the candy store on the Square in town and got her some M&Ms minis. She loved them of course. She is also a sweet tea addict. When we give her a sip she will squeal for more, it's pretty hilarious! As for more healthy foods, she's started eating Cheerios and really enjoys them. This is great because Mommy and Gammie both love to snack on these. She's also started eating more actual meats like chicken, beef, and turkey. She's also tried orange juice and loves the stuff--Mommy's girl! :) She still eats some baby food, but for the most part she's over it. She wants what we're having!

Some of Augusta's favorite things this month are taking baths! Glad she still loves this, though we haven't ventured back to the bathtub after her meltdowns. The sink works just fine and she LOVES splashing! She seriously drenches the entire kitchen! This little Love Bug loves giving you kisses! It is the sweetest thing when she crawls up in your lap and gives you a big open-mouthed kiss! She also like her stuffed animals, and any stuffed animals in general that she sees at stores. She likes to give them love (kiss them) and carry them around with her. Her favorite is probably her stuffed Pablo, with Kumari (her tiger from the zoo) coming in second. She also still likes playing with her baby dolls. And she can't get enough of wiggling into tight spaces. Being outside and walking around is also something she loves to do. She has a slide in the backyard and she's just really discovered it which has been fun. She also likes playing with the magnets on the fridge. She enjoys taking them off and carrying them around...especially our photo magnets. She loves walking around, remotes, shiny things, and of course phones and the iPad. Also still can't get enough of the Backyardigans. (Oh well, at least Mom likes them too)

Giving Mommy sweet Kisses

This month she's not liking: being contained to a certain area. Like I said earlier, she is on the move and that's the way she likes it! She doesn't like not getting her way...she is getting to that age where she wants what she wants. She's even started getting frustrated and grunting when you don't just give it to her the first time she points. (Oh course, her SLP mom is bringing this on trying to get some vocalization from her). And when she's really wanting something she starts this panting thing, almost hate to say it but its pretty hilarious! She's still not into the car seat for extended time periods or laying down for bed before she's completely exhausted!

I have to say Augusta has entered a really fun stage. Don't get me wrong, its not that the other stages were fun, just she has come more into her own lately. We are seeing more and more of that bubbly personality that has stolen our hearts. She is crazy independent and strong-willed as ever. It's also fun to see her get excited and squeal about things. Her joy over the little things in life helps us to slow down and see them with rejuvenated eyes. Giving us a whole new appreciation for this beautiful world in which our Lord created for us. Also her words and babbles never cease to delight! And since my sweet girl keeps crawling in my lap and covering me with those kisses, I'm going to wrap this up! But just know how much your parents love you sweet, Augusta Kate. We are so blessed to be your Mommy and Daddy. Happy 11 months to you!! :)

Around the campfire with Daddy

"Can you find me?"

Getting ready for football!

Our little Marshmallow!

Squealing!

Mommy and Goo

Pumpkin Carving 101

This weekend we did one of my favorite fall activities--carve pumpkins! Well I guess I should say carve pumpkin bc we only carved one! Ha! Still I enjoy it so much. And I especially enjoy the resultant jack-o-lantern!

I drew a big happy face on the pumpkin we selected at the pumpkin patch last week. Then Chase hollowed out the pumpkin and carved the face. Augusta and I are lucky he's pretty handy like that, because Augusta's first jack-o-lantern looks fabulous!

"Whatcha doing, Daddy?"

Having so much fun!

Intently listening to her Daddy

"I'm not so sure about this..."

Miss Priss wasn't too into the carving, or touching the pumpkin insides for that matter. (Who can blame her?) But we lit it for the first time last night and she absolutely loved it then! Carving pumpkins with my family is something I always enjoyed in my childhood, hopefully Augusta can make some lasting memories doing this the same way I did. :)

Okay, now I'll touch it

Finished Product all lit up!

First trips

Last weekend we took Augusta on her first trip to the zoo, and I have to say it was a success! So excited because I personally love the zoo and I can't wait to make lots of memories there with my family!

All smiles on my first zoo trip

First off, the weather was perfect for being outside. And where better to be than strolling around at the zoo looking at all the animals. Second off, Augusta was in the best mood imaginable. She slept the entire way to Memphis, and we actually had to wake her up when we got there. But she was so pleasant! And third off, though I guess this kind of relates back to the weather, all the animals were out and moving around. (For the most part.) This was exciting and a pretty rare thing at the zoo.

Mommy and Augusta check out the Gorillas

Daddy and Augusta waiting for the Grizzly Bear feeding

We had a blast looking at everything. Augusta's favorites were the penguins and the panda bear. She also liked watching the polar bear swim around as well as the fish and turtles in the aquarium.

By the end of the trip, both baby abs parents were exhausted. Augusta fell asleep before we were out of the parking lot, holding her stuffed tiger she got as a momento of her first zoo trip. And Mom and Dad were wishing we could do the same! Lol! But it was a great experience and one I'll always remember!

Wiped out!!

Also this week Augusta had her first trip to the pumpkin patch! There is a church in town that always sets up a pumpkin patch and going there for a photo shoot is practically a right of passage in this town. At least I say it is! Well needless to say we took Augusta there to explore the pumpkins and help us pick out one to carve. Here are a few pics from the occasion. More to follow on how the carving goes!!

Picking a baby pumpkin for the baby!

"Can we get this one, Daddy?"

Add caption